three track

so much drama in chicago these days is all about the cta starting its three-track plan for belmont and fullerton. usually there's 4 tracks (2 each way) for brown, purple, and red line trains. but while they're doing reconstruction they are going to have one closed for the next 3 years. so they can run fewer trains, and it's already crowded, and they're estimating commute times doubled, and so on and so forth...it went into effect yesterday, and i had no trouble going to work- though the main problems will be coming home, as it's the northbound track that's closed. on the way home we were going to ch's house, and we didn't wanna be late for square dancing. since it was not just construction but a sox game too, i suggested we take the bus. it was fine, not an exciting adventure, but sometimes you do what you have to do.

today i was taking the brownline from work to violin lessons. and when i got on at quincy, it was already packed! quincy's only the second stop in the loop, so this is a bad sign. i stood from quincy all the way to paulina. it was SO SO SLOW. luckily half the stations are closed for reconstruction, or i can't imagine how long it would have taken. it was definately over an hour- and it should take about half that. i'm so glad i don't live off the brown line these days- living off the redline is bad enough!